7 Reasons Some Interior Paint Jobs Cost More

by Fixetude

Most Americans have some experience with painting the interior of a home, although few seem to enjoy it. A professional painter can often complete a small job in a day or two, even though for the average homeowner it can take two or three times as long and produce results that look half as good. It's not surprising then, that so many people choose to use a professional painter. What does surprise homeowners is the way that the price of an interior paint job can differ so much from one task to the next.

Here are 7 reasons why some interior paint jobs cost more than others.

Job Size

When a professional painter looks over a possible job, he makes his estimate based on the number of rooms involved and the number of walls to be painted. To the painter this equals how much time he will be required to spend in this home prepping, painting and cleaning up. The number of coats that will be required to properly cover the walls is also figured into the total because coats are also a measure of time for the painter. More coats and more wall footage will make the job take longer and possibly even require hiring extra help to complete the job in a reasonable amount of time, especially if the painting contractor has another job lined up after this one.

Paint and Supplies

The amount of paint and supplies needed is mostly related to the job size. However, the cost of the paint per gallon can depend on the type of job, or the homeowner's requirements. Some families are understandably concerned about VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can be found in some paint, and therefore request "green" brands of paint which are more expensive. On the other hand, a homeowner that is determined to have a specific color of paint associated with one of the designer lines of paint should expect to pay more per gallon, possibly as much as one third more.

Dark to Light

A room that needs to be converted to a lighter color from a darker color will require either multiple coats of paint or primer then a single coat of paint. Either way that will take more time for the painting team and require more paint and supplies.

High Ceilings/High Walls

During an average job - a small bedroom for example - the painter stands on the floor, utilizing a long-handled roller for maximum working efficiency. If the painter needs to spend any time at all up on a ladder during the task, including carrying supplies up and down, it slows down the job considerably. This will increase the cost of the job.

Detail Work

Professional painters are truly in their element when tasked with refreshing a home's crown molding, wainscoting, baseboards and other trim. However, homeowner's should expect to pay a premium for this type of detail, hand work.

Rough Textured Walls

Not every wall in the interior of a home may be drywall, or not anymore. Some interior walls are brick, stucco, stone, concrete, cinder block or wood planking. Also, sometimes for practical or décor reasons homeowners have covered up the drywall painted surface with a textured material or even a chalkboard surface for the kids. None of these situations are too difficult for a professional painter to handle, but they will take extra time, extra coats of paint, and possibly special primer in order for the chosen paint to adhere to the textured surface.

Furniture and Wall Hangings

For an added fee, painting contractors are happy to help move furniture and take down wall hangings before starting the painting job, as well as replace them afterwards. Although this might be a great convenience for elderly or disabled clients, it's probably not very cost effective for most homeowners.

Homeowners who are considering utilizing the quick and skilled services of a professional painter will probably not be disappointed. However, to keep the cost of that job low, individuals should consider these seven elements of an interior paint job before they sign a contract with a painting contractor.